The BCThubs project organized and participated in the 1st International Conference “Widening the Big Blue Horizon,” held from December 4–6, 2024, in Volos, Greece, under the Hellenic Ministry of Culture. The conference brought together experts focused on the protection and sustainable promotion of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH).

On December 5, BCThubs Project Coordinator Angeliki Veneti presented on “Establishing Blue Culture Technology Excellence Hubs for Sustainable UCH Management”, while Marco Cozza from 3D Research showcased the project’s innovative technologies. The conference featured over 360 participants from 39 countries and was held in a hybrid format, facilitating global interaction.

The Balkan Heritage Foundation  is leader work package 4 – trainings and demonstrations. The Foundation presented the concept of the package and discussed the programme for the implementation of all activities of the package.

With 38 presentations across five sessions, topics ranged from citizen engagement and maritime spatial planning to advanced diving techniques and technological solutions for UCH. An exhibition displayed tools for cultural heritage research, and a post-conference visit to the Athanasakio Archaeological Museum of Volos was organized.

The event set the stage for continued collaboration and innovation in the sustainable management of underwater cultural heritage.